Abstract
<jats:p xml:lang="en">Objective: This study aimed to evaluate self-reported postoperative pain in patients undergoing free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting from the palatal mucosa during a 4-week healing period and to identify clinical parameters associated with pain perception.Methods: This was a prospective observational clinical study including 40 systemically healthy patients (18–65 years) scheduled for FGG surgery. Palatal mucosal thickness, graft dimensions, and donor site characteristics were measured. Pain intensity was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Analgesic consumption was documented. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, and Spearman’s correlation tests, as well as regression modeling (α = 0.05).Results: Pain intensity peaked on postoperative day 1 (VAS: mean 6.3 ± 1.2) and decreased progressively, reaching baseline by day 28. Regression analysis showed that greater graft thickness significantly increased pain scores (β = 3.165, p = .007), whereas higher palatal mucosal thickness was associated with reduced pain perception (β = –1.62, p &lt; .001). Wound size, proximity to the tooth, and distance from the midline were not significantly correlated with pain (p &gt; .05). Demographic variables such as age and gender were not significantly associated with perceived pain levels. Analgesic use was highest on day 1 and minimal after day 14.Conclusion: FGG thickness is a key determinant of postoperative discomfort, while greater palatal mucosal thickness reduces pain. Careful donor site selection and graft planning are essential to minimize patient morbidity and enhance comfort during periodontal plastic surgery.</jats:p>